Asking your doctor questions will help you understand your diagnosis and make informed decisions. Below is a list of helpful questions you can ask. This list is available as a printable PDF with a section to add your own questions or notes. 

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Click here for a downloadable version of CUP doctor question prompt list.

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Diagnosing CUP

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About CUP

• What is CUP?
• What do you mean by “stage” or “grade” of cancer?
• How serious is my cancer?
• Is there any sign of where the cancer started or what type of cancer it is?
• What happens if you can’t find where the cancer started?
• Can you provide any written information about my cancer and its treatment?

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Scans, Tests and Investigations

• What scans and tests are involved to find out what kind of CUP I have? 
• What type of specialised tests might I need? 
• Are the latest tests and treatments for CUP available in this hospital? 
• Will there be side-effects from the scans or tests?
• Will I have to pay for scans and tests? Are costs covered by Medicare?  

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Results of the tests

• How long after the scans or tests will I know more about my cancer and the treatment choices? 
• Can you explain the results of the tests to me?

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Treating CUP

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Treatment Options

• What treatments are available to me? 
• Which treatment do you recommend for me and why?
• Is the aim of the treatment to try and cure the cancer or not? 
• If you find out where the primary cancer is, will my treatment change?
• How long do I have to make a decision?
• What information is there to help me to choose where to have treatment? 
• What happens if I do not wish to be treated?

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Other Specialists or Second Opinion

• Do I need to see any other specialists before treatment, such as a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, surgeon, dentist, dietician or speech pathologist? 
• Can I get a second doctor’s opinion? 

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Clinical Trials

• Are there any clinical trials that I may be eligible for?
• How do I get referred to a clinical trial? 
• What are the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial?

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Treatment Costs

• Will I have to pay for treatment? Are costs covered by Medicare? 

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Preparing for Treatment

• What should I do to get ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
• How long will the treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done? 
• Should I change my diet or physical activity before, during or after treatment?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?

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After Initial Treatment

• What follow-up tests will I need?
• How often will the follow-up be required?
• How will we know if the cancer has come back?
• What should I watch for?
• What will my options be if the cancer comes back?

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Side Effects

• Could there be any side-effects from the treatment(s) I choose? Can you provide written information? 
• How can side-effects be prevented or managed?
• Will treatment affect my daily activities or limits on what I can do?  
• Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

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Who will be involved in my care?

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CUP-specific Team

• Who is in the clinical team looking after me? 
• Does this hospital have a healthcare team that specialises in CUP? 
• Will my case be discussed at a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting? Will they take a holistic approach to my treatment?

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Primary Contact, Advice and Support 

• Who can I call if I have any problems or questions?
• Who will be my main point of contact before/during/after treatment?
• Continuity of care – will I usually see the same person or team? How do they communicate?
• Does the hospital provide a 24/7 advice service for cancer? Will I have contact numbers for out of hours help?

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Support and Wellbeing

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Wellbeing Support

• Where can I find emotional support for me and my family? 
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
• Is there a local support group for cancer patients?

• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

• Who can give me financial advice, benefits advice etc?

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Advance Care Planning

• Who can help me plan for my future? 
• Can you tell me about advance care planning?

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